Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj. (Photo Source: IPL)
The 70th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the Faf du Plessis-led Royal Challengers Bangalore and the defending champions Gujarat Titans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Sunday, May 21.
In the must-win clash for Bangalore, the side looked to make its way into the knockout stages of the IPL 2023. However, Shubman Gill’s second ton of the season trumped Kohli’s ton as Gujarat handed Bangalore a hefty six-wicket defeat. Yet another trophyless season for Royal Challengers Bangalore; even after 16 years, the team is still looking for its first IPL title.
As Gill dealt the final blow to finish the game and completed his century, a disheartened Kohli looked on in disbelief. Despite scoring an exceptional century in the first innings, it still did not prove to be enough, as after looking numb for a few seconds, the ace Indian batter took his frustration out by throwing a water bottle on the ground.
Furthermore, the misery did not end there for Bangalore, as pacer Mohammed Siraj was seen lying motionless on the ground before he was lifted up by his teammates. Gill’s blitzkrieg left the Bangalore players heartbroken. However, despite the crushing defeat, Kohli went on to congratulate Gill for his century and was gracious in defeat.
Gujarat Titans take on Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1
With the group stage of the IPL 2023 finally coming to an end, Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Mumbai Indians are the four teams that have made it to the knockout stages of the tournament. Royal Challengers Bangalore were eliminated after their loss by falling short of two points.
The Qualifier 1 of the competition will be played between Gujarat and Chennai, and the winner of the fixture would find itself in the summit clash of the cash-rich league. The game will be the 71st match of the tournament and will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, May 23.